2021 CT Military All-Stars

Robert Miller | United States Navy (Retired)

Rob served 20 years in the US Navy, 15 out to sea and the last 5 teaching IT at the schoolhouse in Groton, CT. He’s a pretty humble guy and never tells anyone how he spent 20 years serving his country. He now runs his own construction implant Rob The DIY GUY and also is a government contractor doing cyber security on the submarines in Groton. 

Melody Baber | Army National Guard (Active Duty)

SFC Melody Baber serves as an instructor trainer, and deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom twice, 2003-2004 and 2008-2009. She is Full Time with the family readiness office and has overcome many severe personal issues while never failing her unit nor her families. She is beyond dedicated and supporting for anyone needing help. 

Josef Herten | United States Army (Honorably Discharged)

Josef continues to serve his community and the public as a detective at the Branford, CT Police Department. He served many years in the local swat team, saving many lives. He has climbed the ranks of the BPD through his excellence character and work ethic. He continues to serve on the Special Olympics committee, raising tens of thousands of dollars each year for the disabled, carrying torches and volunteering at local establishments. Joesf is engrained in the community and embodies exactly what the Military Heroes stands for.

Ian Dobie | United States Coast Guard (Active Duty)

MU 1 Dobie is a Grammy Award winning recording engineer. MU1 Dobie was selected as the CGA's Enlisted Person of the Quarter for his work as a sound engineer for the USCG Band. He spent months choosing equipment and installing a Livestream system used by the entire Coast Guard Academy to provide virtual broadcasts of high profile events. He simultaneously recorded and edited dozens of musical performances that were posted to the Band's social media accounts and YouTube channel.

Donato DiVirgilio | United States Army (Honorably Discharged)

True leader in every respect. He has continued to serve a volunteer in his community as a Lion, Member of the American Legion Post 165 Wolcott.

Christopher Mackenzie | Army National Guard (Retired)

CW4 Mackenzie has dedicated his entire professional career to the military and perfecting his skills in personnel management within the Army National Guard to take care of Soldiers and complete his mission. Throughout his career Chief Mackenzie became the “go to” in the Connecticut Army National Guard, he could answer any question about any field due to his illustrious career and the knowledge he maintained. Most importantly, Mr. Mackenzie was never too busy to develop young Soldiers and support developing programs. He dedicated any free time he could find to volunteering with Service Member and Family Support Programs and supporting the development of the states Suicide Prevention Program. Mr. Mackenzie’s dedication has created numerous NCOs beyond reproach. He deserves the recognition of his community because he has never asked for anything in return for his service.

Joe Slepski | United States Army (Honorably Discharged)

Joe was in the Army from 1974-78. He did Basic Training at Fort Ord California and Advanced Training at The Presidio in San Francisco. After that he was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.